Reader comments
Enforce SB81

Shamefully, greed, avarice and a willingness to sell out the Republic is one of Utah's hallmarks, and must be curbed, or we will lose the Republic. If Chief Burbank insists on defying SB81, then don't give him his new building. Vote against any mayor who won't throw him out. Vote against any governor who likewise refuses to enforce SB81. Recognize fake conservative groups such as the Sutherland Institute for the corrupt, cheap-labor lobby groups that they are and withhold your support.

In some places in Europe, police pull you over for any speed past the speed limit.
How dare we have speed limits here in the US that the police don't enforce? People go 5, even 10 mph past the speed limit and don't get pulled over. The law's there for a reason.]
Obviously, some laws are more important than others.
In contrast to the writer of this letter, I have the utmost respect for the police. Today is July 4th, and I have a great respect for the people responsible for keeping my family safe in this great country. I have no respect for the detached-from-reality, xenophobic, politicians who voted for SB81.
To police--keep up the good work. You're keeping us safe from criminals and idiots.

If the arrogant police chief won't enforce the law, fire him. They can dedicate manpower to enforcement. Someone else on these threads said to vote against their new expensive police building downtown. Do they work for us? Do we pay their paychecks? They are to enforce the laws, not just to wear cool suits and ride around in hot cars or motorcycles. Makes you wonder if the police chief is an enabler of some of the law breakers. Where is the newspaper in investing his background. The legislature finally did what the people wanted, now enforce the law.

The law is optional, not mandatory.

If you are against City Rights, and want to force the local governments to comply, then write a law which is NOT optional.

Why does the DN print letters that are based on factual errors.

SB 81 says local law enforcement CAN deputize officers as immigration agents, but does not require it. Only two in the state have chosen to. The rest have wisely decided against it, because it amounts to an unfunded mandate and a distraction from their real job.

"To police--keep up the good work. You're keeping us safe from criminals and idiots."

Oh? Utah is #1 in the country for Swine Flu (a euphemism for the Mexican Flu, which is what it actually is, the 2009 swine flu pandemic having originated in Mexico). I wonder why (sarcasm alert)! The answer? Corrupt politicians and government agencies that have decided that they are going to give its constituents the finger and NOT enforce SB81, beholden as they are to the greedy business interests who want the illegals here in Utah for their cheap labor.

Since the subject has been raised about the desirability of providing a new police building for a police force that will not be enforcing SB81 provisions) I would like to ask a question.

I'm not sure why the old building cannot be upgraded. I saw some deplorable conditions on news programs, which seemed to suggest the plumbing needs replacing, and then the rooms need to be re-painted, and the whole building then properly maintained.

Most people just fix up their homes, not knock them down and build new ones.

Tell me what it is that requires the current facility to be destroyed and replaced. Are there structural defects perhaps. Please be specific and authoratative in your answers. I will take a lack of answers to mean: we don't really know, or we can't argue with that.

re 10:47 a.m.

What happened to "... comments found to be ... off-topic ... will not be posted"?

Regarding the letter, Norm has no idea what he is talking about. This letter is based on fantasy.

Norm may not fully understand SB-81 but he is speaking for a lot of people out there. Not everything in SB-81 is voluntary. I agree that it is a very weak bill and should be strengthened in the next legislative session. Cross deputizing police has been voluntary for many years and so there is no change in this section.

There are some changes that are not voluntary:

1. Those that contract on taxpayer projects, city, county, schools, etc. must verify that their new hires are legal.

2. Anyone who loses his/her job and is replaced by an illegal has the right to sue the employer.

3. No business licenses requiring a background check to be given to illegal aliens. (note the trib article on child care operators.)

4. No trafficking in illegal aliens or transporting them over 100 miles. (employers needed this mileage loophole.)

5. Cities, counties, and state officials may not create policies (sanctuary) that prevents cooperation with ICE. (Oops, I think SLC Chief Burbank & Mayor Becker may have a problem here)

As you can see SB-81 really shouldn't be that terrifying to illegal aliens.